Blog

Who will win? ARCore or ARKit?

With Apple’s ARKit announced and Apple’s new iPhone just about to release in a week, Google replies with ARCore. ARCore is a software based solution AR platform, much like ARKit, for android developers. This is a huge deal because there are more than 2 billion Android phones out right now. Google’s aim is to allow AR to be accessible on all those phones. However, it probably won’t be possible since there is a technical limitation, but it is a huge for the AR industry.

Google’s ARCore is very similar to ARkit, some say it’s a direct response to Apple. Although that might be true, Google has been doing AR since Project Tangoe and this is their second run at AR. ARCore some of the key elements ARKit has such as motion tracking, plane finding, and light estimation. And what all three combines gives you the ability to place an AR element, that is on top of the real world, and it will track in place.

One key difference ARCore compared to Project Tango is that it can be used on all android platforms. It does not require the specific phone requirements of the Tango phone, which was one of the biggest reasons it never really took off. But what makes ARCore unique is the ecosystem that Google around it as well.

A few months ago, we wrote a blog post about Google’s announcement of its first ever VR 3D modeling tool called Blocks. It allows Vive and Rift users to go into VR space and create simple, low-poly models. In addition, Tilt Brush has been out for while now and with the newest addition of ARCore, Google has essentially created an ecosystem that allows artist to create VR content for free and distribute it. This really creates a huge opportunity for Google to compete with Apple in the AR space.

I personally find Google’s approach to AR and VR more interesting. It isn’t about creating the kill app or buy a company that can do that for you. I think it’s about creating a supporting ecosystem that can create all these things organically. Through innovation, creativity, and problem solving, Google hopes to provide content creators, artist, and developers alike the platform and tools to make immersive and interactive content for all.